Did Pred takers come under shielding list? - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Did Pred takers come under shielding list?

DogAgilityObsessed profile image

I found it difficult to follow (ie keep up with and understand) the various rules and guidelines back in March. Pre dx and hubby and I just stayed home apart from a trip to local shops once a week. So which group did you all fall in?

I ask because I’ve now been told I can have a flu jab which is all booked for early October. But does my husband qualify? Like me he is only 63

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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

standard.co.uk/news/health/...

is a nice clear explanation of what is meant to happen which was put up 8 hours ago. According to that, yes, your husband will be eligible as over 50 - but would be as a member of your household too since you are eligible.

Will it be that simple? Ah - now that's another question altogether!

DogAgilityObsessed profile image
DogAgilityObsessed in reply to PMRpro

So in Uk would I have been in the shielding category. Or the one in between that and everyone else?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to DogAgilityObsessed

Suspect it depended on the GP!

ChinaWuntoo profile image
ChinaWuntoo in reply to PMRpro

Yes, in my case it did. I asked to be put on the list but nothing happened. Rheumy said I was supposed to be. Suspect GP paperwork never got to doing it. In fact I am happy to be not listed. I am extremely careful when I go out - which is rarely and only for shopping, surgery, pharmacy. I wear a mask at all times and keep more than a metre from everyone else. So I don't feel I need to be shielded - that would hamper click and collect groceries, for example.

JanetRosslyn profile image
JanetRosslyn

I'm in the UK. My husband and I both had our flu jab free at the local pharmacy yesterday. (I'm 64 and my husband's 55) We just had to tick a box to say whether we were immuno-compromised OR on the shielded list OR living with/caring for someone who was. The whole process was quick, easy and completely painless. :-)

DogAgilityObsessed profile image
DogAgilityObsessed in reply to JanetRosslyn

I’ve got to collect pred from the pharmacist tomorrow and will try this route first for husband.

Bcol profile image
Bcol

Morning all. I had a text from docs a couple of weeks ago asking me to ring and make, an appointment for the flu jab. Went Saturday morning, health screened (temp. check etc) at entrance, straight to consulting room, jab from usual nurse and on way home in about 5 mins. Very efficient, think we are pretty lucky with our practice. Peter

borednow profile image
borednow

Mine booked in for this coming Saturday after text from GP. Haven't had a flu jab for several years so am hoping all will be well. Threats from family of fate worse than death if I don't have one in view of covid19!!!

Cross-stitcher profile image
Cross-stitcher

This autumn, in the UK, a free flu jab does not depend on whether you are r aren't officially "shielded". GP's surgeries are working though their lists and inviting all over 65's to make an appointment (or attend at a specific time) for the jab. Later all over 50's will also be included as will all children up to and including Year 7. Anyone between year 7 abd age 50 can also ask for a jab but they will be charged around £10. It's just taking time to work through everyone and to build sufficient stocks of the vaccine, so they have started with the "most vulnerable" i.e. all over-65's.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Cross-stitcher

But presumably households of the vulnerable would come under this first tranche - should do, no point leaving the family to catch it and bring it home!

Cross-stitcher profile image
Cross-stitcher in reply to PMRpro

I don't know. If you are under 65 but classified as "vulnerable" due to underlying health conditions, I assume you would also be invited for an "early" jab, but probably not other household members (or they might have to pay for a jab at Boots or similar)

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Cross-stitcher

Under the new extended entitlement family members will also get the free jab - it is mentioned in the article I linked to. It was actually always the case that family members should get the jab but most GPs got sniffy about it and said no.

Mazxstitch profile image
Mazxstitch

I live in Scotland, I am in the shielding category and will get a letter / email re flu jab appointment. My husband will be entitled to appointment about the same time.

England, Wales, N Ireland and Scotland do not necessarily the same rules.

DogAgilityObsessed profile image
DogAgilityObsessed in reply to Mazxstitch

And I can imagine rules being interpreted differently from trust to trust, GP to GP

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

According to Matt Hancock this morning, the vulnerable will be prioritised in the first round of appointments and then the rest will be caught up with by xmas. They claim to have 30 million doses which is enough for the requirements (that IS less than half the population so how he works that out I don't know). He also would not account for how Dominic Raab has his appointment for Friday.

In Scotland, Fife at least has apologised that they have not got the set-up right in advance but say they are working on the phone line for bookings.

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